A family-operated business in Hono­lulu is recalling 4,100 pounds of ground beef products that might be contaminated with E. coli.

The ground beef was distributed to Oahu restaurants by Higa Meat & Pork Market, doing business as Higa Foodservice, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. During a routine inspection on Wednesday, inspectors discovered the beef ground that day tested positive for E. coli.

"It was a surprise to us," said Sheldon Wright, vice president of operations for Higa Foodservice. "We are very concerned about it. We never had this in the past."

The distribution company delivered the product before they received the test results from the agency.

"We’re taking immediate steps to address this problem," said Wright, adding they are recalling the affected ground beef to be destroyed. "We have tons of hamburger that came back today."

The product is described as 10-pound bags of "Higa Market-Ground Beef Bulk." There are one to six bags of ground beef per case. It was distributed to 25 customers on Oahu. A majority include fast-food restaurants such as Rainbow Drive-In, Halawa Korean BBQ and Ala Moana Poi Bowl. Four elementary schools — Hono­wai Elementary School, Kipapa Elementary, Lehua Elementary and Luna­lilo Elementary — also received the ground beef.

E. coli is a potentially dangerous bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration in most severe cases and kidney failure, according to the Food Safety and Inspection Service.

"The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness," the agency said.

Wright and the Department of Health have not received any complaints of illnesses relating to ground beef.

Higa Foodservice is a family-run business that has been in operation since 1946.

Consumers who have questions concerning the recall may contact Wright at 531-3591.